BLANCHARD, AARON

Aaron R. Blanchard was born April 2, 1981 in Selah Washington, to Laura Schactler and Don Blanchard, and had two brothers, Michael and Karl. Aaron graduated from Selha High School in 1999. He an avid outdoorsman and accomplished bow hunter and would come home every year for the Blanchard Men Elk hunt.  His passion for service and leadership, and determination to know and understand his work and the world around him earned him the respect of his peers. His warmth, wonderful sense of humor, and generosity will always be remembered by his friends and family. 

Aaron enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduation from high school in 1999. He completed basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and earned his certification as an Aviation Mechanic at Pensacola, FL. He made three major deployments including two combat tours in Iraq as a platoon Sergeant. Aaron’s Marine career took him all over the world, across the oceans and through the skies, from Southeast Asia to Iraq.  

In 2002, he met and married his wife, Becky. In 2005, Aaron and Becky enrolled at Central Washington University, where Aaron joined the Army ROTC program, seeking the bachelor’s degree and leadership training required to be a helicopter pilot. Aaron completed pilot training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama and was assigned to Ft. Drum, New York, in 2011. 

In early April 2013, he joined the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan, flying an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter. Aaron’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon , the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, the Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and two Rifle Expert Badges.  

He also completed Marine Combat Training, Aviation Machinist Mate Courses, the Apache Aviator Qualification Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, and the Aviation Office Basic Course. 

CPT Blanchard died April 23, 2013 of wounds caused by indirect fire in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers CPT Aaron Blanchard for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.